The Importance of Cooperatives: Insights from a Recent Seminar

On October 9, the Pal System Federation organized a seminar in Shinjuku, Tokyo, titled "Japan's Cooperatives and their Current Issues and Challenges in the Year of International Cooperatives." The event featured sociologist Satoko Chikamoto, who provided profound insights into the historical context and contemporary significance of cooperatives worldwide.

The seminar attracted 94 participants both in-person and online, consisting of users and staff members alike. Chikamoto, a former professor at Aichi Gakusen University, highlighted how the resolution for an International Year of Cooperatives was driven by pressing global issues like conflicts, inequalities, and climate change. "Cooperatives serve as a business tool to bring together those who are marginalized or struggling," Chikamoto stated, emphasizing the concept of 'inclusiveness' as central to the cooperative movement.

Chikamoto posed critical reflections on Japan's cooperatives, noting that the legal frameworks governing various types of cooperatives, such as agricultural cooperatives and consumer cooperatives, are distinct in Japan. After WWII, cooperatives evolved into various sectors, including barbershops and childcare, leading to a significant expansion in retail cooperatives.

Analyzing the 'inclusiveness' of cooperatives, Chikamoto shared an assessment of what has been accomplished and what still needs improvement. While asserting that the growth in user participation and business volume signifies an expansion of inclusiveness, she also pointed out that economic barriers lead some potential users to forgo benefits from cooperatives. This reflects a reality where collective actions often unintentionally lead to exclusions.

Furthermore, Chikamoto addressed the declining involvement of women in local cooperative activities, highlighting it as a significant challenge. As more women join the workforce, traditional societal connections that once benefitted the cooperative movement have weakened, leading to a gap in representation. "Cooperatives need to better showcase the active roles of women in society," she urged, prompting attendees to think about retaining and promoting diversity.

The looming challenge of declining birth rates in Japan signals a need for a societal evolution that acknowledges and embraces diverse identities and lifestyles. Chikamoto expressed hope that new cooperative models, such as community-based purchasing and collective buying groups, can serve as tools for fostering inclusivity despite the societal shifts.

Concluding her speech, Chikamoto posed a critical question: "Can Japanese society withstand the cultural transformations brought about by embracing diversity?" She encouraged participants to engage in the processes of learning and recognition while taking pride in their past efforts. "Continue to ponder how we should move forward," she urged.

As we approach 2025, designated as the International Year of Cooperatives, the Pal System Group remains committed to leveraging the strengths of cooperatives for building a better society. By promoting collaborative efforts, they aspire to address current and future challenges effectively.

About Pal System Federation

- Location: 2-2-6 Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Chairperson: Akihiro Shibusawa
- Total Business Volume: ¥2604.2 billion (as of March 2025)
- Member Cooperatives: Including Pal System Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gunma, Fukushima, Shizuoka, Niigata, and others.
- Website: Pal System